Fireworks, Chalk Mural Fest, Luther BMX Champs, and Route 66 Cred

“What are cool things in Luther?” is the answer to the headline. Summer fun in July brings fireworks on July 3 at Wildhorse Park, a Chalk Mural Fest during the Third Saturday Market on July 18, and a send-off for Jamie Harwick, owner of Glassic Designs, as she travels to Australia to represent Team USA in a BMX racing championship.

First up. Happy 250th Birthday America. Luther Fire Department’s fireworks show is Friday, July 3, 2026, at Wildhorse Park. A whole evening of fun is planned for the family.

• Vendors open – 6 pm
• Obstacle Course opens (parents must be present to sign a waiver). 6:30 pm
• Turtle Races 7:30 pm
• Games and activities throughout the park
• Spectacular Fireworks at dark.

Find more updates on the LFD Fireworks event page. Any tips on how to train up a turtle? 

Chalk Mural Fest, July 18

Luther is putting our twist on a mural crawl in Oklahoma Route 66 towns on July 18. With a couple of fine murals in town (and if wishes were dollars, there would be more), we’re breaking out the sidewalk chalk and inviting everyone to come create right on the pavement of Main Street in Luther. The day coincides with another marketing push to shop local, which in turn coincides with Luther’s Third Saturday market. It’s all meant to be. For artists of all ages, bring your chalk or grab some that’s provided and see you there. 

“You don’t have to call yourself an artist to be creative. I believe everyone has creativity in them. This event gives EVERYONE a chance to be part of something special while celebrating Route 66’s anniversary,” said Britni Davis of Colorful Expressions, who will cheer us on.

Let’s create a masterpiece that will last until we get a rain. The extended forecast in mid-July shows we’ll be craving some showers by then, just maybe not between 0 am – 1pm on July 18.

Bring your church group, your kids and their friends, the team, your book club, your neighbors, and spread the word.

If crouching, stooping, and bending on the street is not for you (reminding myself to bring a towel to sit on and maybe knee pads), there will be shopping … and eating. Vendors, shops, fun. 

Jamie Goes to Australia

She’s classed as a BMX Girl Expert at the age of 46! Jamie Harwick only picked up the bike and beasted the sport a few short years ago. With a Scotland trip to represent Team USA in 2023, Jamie is now heading to Australia to compete again. News 9 featured her on Monday. We know Jamie as the owner of Glassic Designs on Main Street, the go-to spot for custom embroidery, laser engraving, signage, and personalized gifts.

She also relocated her annual fireworks stand to Arcadia (by Lake Stop). She’s selling raffle tickets for a giant fireworks package to help fund all the expenses associated with the opportunity. You can also donate to her via Cash App at $GlassicDesigns or Venmo at @Jamie-Harwick1.

We’ll send her off to the “land down under” on July 15. She’s taking Route 66 partway to the Tulsa airport for the long flight, and a big adventure. Go Jamie Go!

Mighty Pretty

It was a blast to attend the official ribbon-cutting ceremony last week for the giant boot sculpture (one inch taller than the record in San Antonio) we see heading into Oklahoma City. It’s by the “Cowboy” – that’s what we can call it – not the Cowboy Hall of Fame or the official name that I can’t remember. 

Hopefully, the reminder is not needed that the artist of the Mighty Pretty “Kicks 66” sculpture is Cameron Eagle of Ink Ranch Inc., who designed the Visit Luther sign unveiled in April 2025. The MAPS 4 sales tax for public art funded the $875,000, 35-foot sculpture. Luther’s sign was funded with a $70,000 Project 66 grant and was one of the first projects completed in time for the Route 66 centennial. Both sculptures in Oklahoma City and Luther were fabricated by Jim Gleason and his fabulous team at G&S Signs. 

The Kicks 66 event featured music from Mallory Eagle, Jared Tyler Frederick, and Joe Settlemires. A little Bob Wills music, some original tunes, and ending with their own version of Bobby Troup’s 1946 anthem from which the sculpture was inspired. The only place that gets adjectives in the song is Oklahoma City. It’s mighty pretty.

Cam shared great stories when he took the stage about his deep connection to Route 66 and the intense journey of building the sculpture, and he gave an unexpected SHOUT OUT to Luther and our project. 

The occasion gave some of the Luther contingent a chance to meet and catch up, even if it was in Oklahoma City. Josh Payne, operations manager at Electrical Solutions, helped install 1.2 miles of LED lighting for the Kicks sign. Cindy Taylor, who is the town trustee, a Main Street shop owner, and an interior designer, met Chuck Clowers, the master craftsman owner of Generation III carpentry and a Luther resident. They bonded over industry talk and helping their hometown.

Chuck’s connection to Cam Eagle goes way back. 

Eagle grew up bowling at Route 66 Bowl, often alongside his high school friend Vince Gill. When the bowling alley eventually closed, he partnered with friends Bobby Clark and Chuck Clowers to repurpose wood from the building, crafting custom guitars and furniture. His connection to Route 66 continued over the years: in 2025, he designed a Route 66 sign for the City (Town) of Luther, and he maintains an impressive personal collection of neon signs from the Mother Road. Eagle also created a signature pink‑Cadillac–themed sign for the Heartland Heritage of America Museum in Weatherford, further showcasing his craftsmanship and love for Route 66 history. (Visit OKC)

The public can pick up a free postcard starting July 1 from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or any library in the Metropolitan Library System (including Luther’s library) and write a message to future Oklahoma City residents. The postcards will be placed in a time capsule near the boot and opened in 2126. 

I appreciate you reading through to the finish. Deep gratitude goes out to everyone who has recently contributed to LRN to bolster local journalism! Even a modest boost to our lean account makes a real difference in keeping this work alive. It was truly refreshing to craft a lengthy piece that focused on the fun side of Luther, steering clear of the heavier topics currently circulating. Rest assured, those stories are on the horizon, but for now, I’m grateful for this brief moment of moratorium breathing room.